You might have heard that a new Hellraiser movie is in the works after A Nightmare On Elm Street actress Heather Langenkamp let it slip that she'll be returning to her horror roots with a small role in the film.

After confirming to Scare Tissue that the sequel is a go, Langenkamp also named makeup effects designer Gary Tunnicliffe as the director. But there will be at least one notable absence from the film's credits: Pinhead.

Doug Bradley, who played the leader of the Cenobites in every Hellraiser movie except Hellraiser: Revelations in 2011, took to social media to announce that he and Hellraiser creator Clive Barker would not be involved in the project. Barker subtly supported Bradley by "liking" the letter.

From the post, it's clear that Bradley might not have been opposed to working on the project initially, but the manner in which Tunnicliffe handled the secrecy behind Hellraiser 10 (currently under the working title Judgement) rubbed him the wrong way.

The post itself is rather lengthy, but worth the read if you have the time:

"Ladies, Gentlemen and Others,

I gather word is beginning to spread about the new Hellraiser movie which is, apparently, already shooting.

First, a point of clarification. This is the first time I have said anything about this. Anything else you have heard me say about any proposed Hellraiser film refers to the constantly rumored remake. And, for the record, I still know nothing about that.

First I heard about this new film was around Christmas in a phone call from Gary Tunnicliffe, who was my make-up artist on Bloodline through Hellworld. Gary, you may recall, also wrote the screenplay for Revelations. He has written and is directing this new effort. I can also assert, contrary to some rumours I've already seen, that Clive Barker is not involved with this in any way, shape or form.

Gary said he would send me a copy of the script when he had completed a second draft, but before I could be allowed to set eyes on the precious document, I was required to sign a gagging order. This was a three page document preventing me from talking about the script 'in restrooms', 'on elevators', 'in restaurants' or 'in cellular telephone conversations which may be overheard'. There was also dark reference to 'people talking out of turn at conventions'. I read this thing in disbelief, and informed Gary I would not be signing it.

And that's that. Clearly, I am deemed too much of a security risk to be allowed to read a Hellraiser script. People are starving to death in Syria and they're worried about me talking about a Hellraiser movie? Get a fucking grip. Can you say 'sense of proportion'?

Anyway, story short: a new movie is happening and I have nothing do with it. I was unable to make a decision about it because I was not allowed to read the script, unlike Revelations where I made a conscious decision not to do the movie based on the motives for making it and the poor quality of the script.

And that's everything."

Peace and PainDoug

While the Cenobites have never been afraid of gagging their victims or keeping tight-lipped in the past (Stitch, anyone?), forcing them to sign a nondisclosure agreement is where Bradley draws the line.

Given his years spent immersed in the character and his close relationship with Clive Barker, I think there would be no better person to entrust the script to than Doug Bradley.

As a horror fan, I'm certainly disappointed that we won't be seeing him reprise this classic horror role, but I applaud him for sticking to his convictions and turning down the role based on principle.

In our sadomasochistic minds and exposed hearts, there's no other Pinhead.

Poll

Do you support Doug Bradley's decision to distance himself from the new Hellraiser movie?